August 26, 2002 - The Samsung Nations Cup Final took place on 24 August in Donaueschingen (GER). Second in the Samsung Nations Cup standings before the final, Italy won the Samsung World Final with 4 points penalty, ahead of Belgium (12) and France (12). Bruno Chimirri/Landknecht, Jerry Smit/Jamiro, Vincenzo Chimirri/Defi Platiere and Giovanni Govoni/Loro Piana Havinia composed the winning team who performed two double clear round in the Final (Smit and Govoni). Last to go in the second round, Govoni was allowed one fence down and still have his team ahead of their runner-up Belgium. He went clear and offered the first ever Samsung Nations Cup World title to his country.

The favourite and leader of the standings, Germany, pulled out of the 2nd round after an unfortunate first round with 39 points. With a prize money of CHF 300.000 in the Nations Cup (CHF 100’000 to the winner), Donaueschingen CSIO was the last Final of the Samsung Nations Cup Series in its present format. In conjunction with the Final, Samsung formally announced their support of the Super League to be launched in 2003. The eight events part of the Super League will be announced in the coming weeks.

The President of the Irish Equestrian Federation, Avril Doyle, represented the Leading Rider Cian O’Connor, and his Leading Horse Waterford Crystal.